Councils across Wales have welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that Wylfa has been chosen as the site for its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR). The decision is seen as a significant development for north-west Wales, with the potential to support Wales’ long-term energy security and decarbonisation ambitions. 

The announcement states that any future project will go through detailed planning and regulatory processes, including environmental assessment and public engagement. The site has previously hosted nuclear infrastructure, and earlier work linked to the Horizon project provides relevant experience for local partners as discussions progress. 

The WLGA will continue to work with Anglesey Council, Welsh Government and partners to ensure that local voices are heard as plans develop and that community, environmental and economic considerations are carefully balanced. 

WLGA Economy and Energy spokesperson, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said: 

“This announcement marks an important step forward for the region. A project of this scale could support high-quality employment, strengthen local supply chains and contribute to a more secure, lower-carbon energy system for Wales. 

“If approached carefully, it also has the potential to bring genuinely transformative benefits to communities across Ynys Môn, creating new opportunities for local people, supporting long-term investment and helping the island grow in a sustainable way. 

“We also recognise that nuclear development remains a matter of debate for many communities. It is vital that the project evolves in a way that respects local concerns, protects the Welsh language and culture, and ensures meaningful long-term benefits for people across Ynys Môn and north Wales.”